Bologna FC 1909 vs AS Roma

AS Roma made an immediate statement at the Dall'Ara, clinching a composed 2-0 away win over Bologna that tightened their grip on a Champions League spot, with both goals arriving before half-time. Donyell Malen opened the scoring after just seven minutes, slotting home a right-footed finish from the center of the area assisted by Neil El Aynaoui. Bologna pressed back but Riccardo Orsolini could only rattle the crossbar — a penalty appeal waved away shortly after. El Aynaoui then turned scorer himself, tucking in a clinical counter-attack at 45+1' with Malen this time as provider. The second half added little but a yellow for Mario Hermoso; the hosts never found a way through. The victory couldn't have come at a better time for AS Roma — it marked Gian Piero Gasperini's very first game in charge after replacing Claudio Ranieri, and it keeps the Giallorossi firmly in the European race. Bologna, on the other hand, suffer a second straight league defeat and see their own continental hopes take a real dent.